Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

"Contrary to popular opinion, I didn't come here just because of Des. I was disappointed for him the way things turned out," Foran told NRL.com, referring to Hasler being shown the door in September. The premiership-winning coach has since launched a legal challenge over the way the split took place.

"But I've been really enjoying my time under Dean. It's been great to be coached by him.

"He's a different style to Des as every coach has their own way. But I am enjoying Dean's spin on things.

With a new season comes the chance for each team to do better than last year, and no team has a better opportunity for a fresh start more than the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs after their off-season overhaul.

They are in an almost unprecedented position of having a new coach, new CEO and new chairperson.

The final piece of their puzzle fell into place on Sunday when the reform ticket led by Lynne Anderson ousted chairman defeated Ray Dib to take control of the boardroom.

The most concerning aspect of the 30-14 loss for Bulldogs fans would have been the lack of direction at the end of sets, despite having cool-headed halfback Matt Frawley calling the shots in the absence of injured five-eighth Josh Reynolds.

The win was also important because it came heading into a weekend with no NRL, allowing the players to rest up any niggles with the benefit of coming off a win – while the Raiders will be left to stew on their below-par efforts for a fortnight before they get the chance to make amends.